A Quick Thought about 9/11, America, and Living out our Christian Faith

I pray you are walking in the grace and peace of Christ today. On Thursday, I spend most of the day studying and praying for the sermon I will preach on Sunday. Today, as I do just that, I find my thoughts drifting often to September 11th just 13 years ago. I remember how angry and violated I felt as an American. I remember thinking to myself, “I hate Muslims.” In the last 13 years, God has brought me a long way in that category. While I completely support the U.S and its allies in devastating ISIS in Iraq, Syria, and other areas where ISIS may be growing, I can no longer say, “I hate Muslims.” Instead, Jesus has caused such a love in our hearts for those shackled by Islam that we choose to love them relentlessly and share the gospel with them. Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, and governments entrusted with power by God have certain responsibilities in the world for the sake of justice and peace. People like you and me, everyday followers of Jesus, have quite another. Jesus said to his disciples, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” As you remember 9/11 pray for millions born into and shackled by Islam. Their only hope for heart change and salvation is the gospel of Jesus Christ and we are the messengers. Pray also for justice and peace as a result of strategic action against ISIS by the U.S. and her global allies. Pray for those families that still bear the grief of losing loved ones in that brutal act of terrorism that changed everything in America.

Our Father in Heaven, holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.